The internet was meant to connect us. But in 2025, it often feels like it’s doing the opposite.
Trying to stream your favorite show? Not available in your region. Looking for something at work or school? Blocked. Using airport Wi-Fi? You’re being tracked. Add firewalls, censorship, and regional restrictions to all of this, and just like that, the open web doesn’t feel that open anymore.
It's no surprise that internet users are taking matters into their own hands. Recent data shows that VPN usage increased from 39% in 2024 to 46% in 2025, driven by growing concerns over access and privacy.
But with rising demand came an explosion of new VPN services. Some are reliable, others are not so much, so choosing the right one isn’t always easy.
This year, NordVPN has consistently ranked among the most trusted options. It’s known for its balance of speed, security, and ease of use, making it a solid choice for streaming, staying private, or just getting around annoying blocks.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes NordVPN one of the best VPNs in 2025, what to consider when choosing the best VPN for your needs, and how VPNs are helping users reclaim access at school, work, and beyond.
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Is It Legal to Use a VPN to Unblock Websites?
This is one of the most common questions and the short answer is yes, using a VPN is legal in most countries.
In places like the United States, Canada, the UK, and nearly all of Europe, VPNs are completely legal. After all, a VPN is just a tool. Using it to secure your data on public Wi-Fi or to access streaming content from another country is not only legal but very common.
That said, how you use a VPN matters. For example, some schools and workplaces have strict IT policies, so if you’re caught using it to bypass internal restrictions, you could face consequences even if using VPN as a service in your country is legal.
In a few countries, though, VPN use is heavily restricted or outright banned. In China, Russia, and India, VPN access is limited to government-approved services. Meanwhile, in countries like North Korea, Iran, and Turkmenistan, using any type of VPN is completely prohibited.
Our tip? Always check local laws and policies before using a VPN, especially if you're traveling or living in a region with stricter digital regulations.
Best VPN for Streaming in 2025: Why NordVPN Stands Out
As the demand for using VPNs to unlock streaming platforms increased, the streaming platforms got better and better at detecting the services. However, Nord VPN has also gotten better and better at staying ahead of them.
Its speed is probably the biggest reason why it stands out as one of the best VPNs for streaming: coupled with its wide server network, Nord manages to provide stable high performance all over the world, which gives it an unmatched upper hand for streaming in high resolutions.
In addition to technical capabilities, Nord offers a simple and intuitive user experience. It works smoothly on computers, smart TVs, smartphones, and tablets.
Streaming Platforms Unblocked by NordVPN
With these platforms covered, Nord offers one of the most complete streaming VPN experiences on the market.
● Netflix (US, UK, Japan, Canada, and more)
● Hulu
● Amazon Prime Video
● BBC iPlayer
● Disney+
● YouTube (region-restricted videos)
How to Use a VPN to Unblock Websites Anywhere
You might have several reasons to use a VPN, ranging from simply worrying about your privacy to enjoying an unblocked browser. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of the most common reasons behind VPN usage:
How to Unblock Websites at School
School networks tend to be strict (sometimes too strict, students would say). Blocking social media or gaming sites during class hours makes sense, but in many cases, even useful tools or news sources get caught in the filter.
Beyond restrictions, there’s also the issue of privacy. Since school Wi-Fi is a shared network, it can leave students feeling exposed, especially if their browsing activity is being monitored or logged.
In response to these challenges, many students have turned to VPNs to encrypt their traffic. But it's important to notice that even if VPNs are legal in a country, schools may have internal policies prohibiting their use. Ignoring these rules can result in disciplinary action, even if the intention is as simple as accessing academic content.
Some VPN services, like Nord VPN, are particularly popular among students looking to learn how to unblock websites on a school computer or how to get an unblocked browser and unblocked sites.
But, regardless of Nord’s popularity amongst students, it’s always best to understand and respect the institution’s policies before exploring any options.
How to Unblock Websites at Work
Much like schools, many workplaces also apply restrictions on internet access. The purpose might be to block distractions, but this can also get in the way of legitimate tasks: research, accessing cloud platforms, and even checking industry news.
So, how do you unblock websites on a work computer without risking your job?
A VPN can help you with such restrictions and allow you to improve your work productivity. It will also offer privacy, which is vital if you work from public Wi-Fi or a shared office network.
That said, here’s the important part: check your company’s IT policies first. While VPN usage is legal in most countries, many workplaces ban or restrict its use on company devices. Breaking those rules could lead to disciplinary action or worse.
If VPN use is allowed where you work, choosing a reliable provider can make a difference, especially if you're dealing with sensitive data and want a balance of speed, security, and stability.
As always, it’s best to use a VPN thoughtfully: when access is essential or when you’re connecting through networks you don’t fully trust.
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How to Unblock Adult Content
Even though it ultimately depends on your location and the network you are connected to, access to adult content is likely banned. It is one of the most commonly blocked categories due to country-level censorship, ISP filtering, or local network blocks.
For users looking to access these sites, a VPN offers the most secure and reliable solution. Without one, your ISP can log your activity, and many adult websites are known for aggressive tracking or even malicious ads. There’s also crossover with other restricted niches, like igaming or online gambling platforms, which often track your IP down and attempt phishing attacks.
In such cases, you need to look for a VPN that offers a strict no-logs policy to ensure your traffic data is not stored or tracked. If you're wondering if Nordvpn is safe for that, we have good news: its zero-logs policy and threat protection tools make it one of the most trusted names in the industry.
This proves to be a huge plus on adult sites where you can access unblocked porn, many of which are notoriously unsafe.
How to Choose the Right VPN
All VPNs have their strengths and weaknesses. Some appear as the fastest VPN available in the market, some might come off as the best VPN for Netflix access, while others might offer rigorous security, or advertise as the best VPN for torrenting.
Even if you have specific functionalities in mind, here are some of the features you should pay attention to when choosing your VPN service:
1. Encryption
A strong encryption is the baseline of a good service. In simple terms, it refers to the technical process of scrambling your internet traffic so no one can see what you’re doing or where you’re going online.
This process should include a protocol like AES-256, solid DNS leak protection, along with secure tunneling protocols to ensure that your IP address never gets exposed.
2. Privacy
Encryption and privacy aren’t the same. Encryption protects your data from outsiders, but privacy depends on what the VPN provider does with that data. Some VPNs (especially free vpns) log your activity or sell your information. That’s why choosing a provider with a strict no-logs policy is essential to keep your browsing truly private.
3. Speed
Speed is key, especially for streaming, gaming, or downloading. A VPN needs to deliver fast, stable connections to avoid lag or buffering. NordVPN speed stands out here: its impressive, and its global server network makes it one of the best VPNs for streaming in 2025, offering smooth performance even with high-resolution content.
4. Obfuscated servers
Obfuscated servers are designed to hide that you're using a VPN. Without them, your traffic might still be encrypted, but networks can detect it's coming from a VPN and block it.
This matters in places like schools, workplaces, or countries where VPN use is restricted. Obfuscation helps you stay connected without raising red flags.
6. Malware protection
Finally, the last important feature you should be looking for in a VPN with malware protection. This feature is a relatively newer one in the market, but it has already established itself as one of the most essential features.
A good malware protection would automatically detect and block any malicious websites, pop-ups, trackers, cookies and phishing websites.
Step by Step: How to Set Up NordVPN Under 5 Minutes
Nord is easy to set up and use, requiring zero technical knowledge. There are no complicated settings to go through. You only need less than 5 minutes to follow these simple steps to set up Nord VPN and start using:
1. Go to NordVPN’s website
Access nordvpn.com and choose the plan that suits your needs. Don't forget you have a 30-day free trial, with a money-back guarantee, to explore the option you choose without worrying about your budget.
2. Create an account
Choose a subscription that works for you. When it comes to how much Nordvpn is, we are happy to say that it is very affordable. Plans typically start at a few dollars per month, especially if you commit to a longer term. To make the prices go even lower, you can search for NordVPN coupons or special discounts.
After you choose your subscription, all you need is an email address to create an account. Once you click on your chosen plan, you will be automatically directed to the “create an account page”. There, you can enter your email, choose a password, and add your payment information. That’s it.
You will receive an email to approve your account, and you are good to go!
3. Download the NordVPN app or software
Once you’ve signed up, download the app for your device. Just follow the simple instructions the installation guide will give you. Nord is a VPN for Android, iOS, Linux and Apple, and it is compatible with smartphones, tablets, computers and smart TVs.
The installation instructions will slightly change based on your device. If you are using your phone, download the Nord app from the App Store and log in with your credentials. If you are on your computer, the installation guide will automatically set up on your device.
4. Log in and connect to a server
Once the download and setup are complete, open the app and log in with the credentials you used to create an account in step 2.
Now you can access Nordvpn’s wide server network. You can hit the Quick Connect button to connect to the best server in your location, or, if you want a specific country/location, you can choose it from the list and Nord will automatically pick the best server option in there.
5. Start browsing, streaming, or unblocking
Congratulations! Once you are connected to Nord servers, your traffic is encrypted, and your IP address is hidden. You now have private, secure access to the internet, so enjoy your unblocked browsing!
FAQ
Does NordVPN keep logs?
No, NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited multiple times.
Is Nord a safe VPN for adult sites?
Yes, NordVPN is one of the safest options for accessing adult content. It uses strong AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and built-in Threat Protection to block trackers, malware, and malicious ads that can usually be found in this kind of website.
Is NordVPN the best VPN for Netflix?
NordVPN consistently ranks as one of the best VPNs for Netflix. It can reliably unblock multiple Netflix libraries, including the U.S., UK, Canada, and Japan and has a vast number of servers.
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